Vibration Assessments

BS 6472 provides general guidance on human exposure to building vibration in the frequency range 0.5 Hz to 80 Hz. The standard adopts the vibration dose value unit (VDV), which takes into account the variation in vibration level as well as the duration of the event and the number of events and uses different frequency weighting functions for horizontal and vertical motion. Vibration dose value ranges giving rise to various probabilities of adverse comment are given for residential and office buildings.

BS 7385 provides guidance on levels of vibration likely to cause building damage. The standard uses the peak particle velocity (ppv) unit and limits for transient vibration above which cosmetic damage may occur are given for both residential and industrial buildings.

JSP Consultants has conducted a number of vibration impact assessments, mainly alongside railway lines and was a member of the Association of Noise Consultants Working Group that produced the book entitled ‘Measurement & Assessment of Groundborne Noise & Vibration’ (first and second editions). Recent surveys included vibration and ground borne noise transmission to residential areas around an underground mine at Gastard near Corsham and measurements of metal shear cutting machine near to a new care home at Salisbury.